HARPER
- Latitude: 4.3665 •
- Longitude: -7.724 •
- West Africa •
- Port in Liberia
Address: Harper Maryland County Liberia
The Port of Harper is a crucial maritime facility located in Harper, the capital city of Maryland County in southeastern Liberia. The port serves as a key logistical hub for the region, facilitating the import and export of goods and contributing to the local economy. Here are the general description and specifications of the Port of Harper:
General Description:
- Location: Harper, Maryland County, Liberia.
- GPS Coordinates: 4.378057° N latitude and -7.712742° W longitude.
- Function: The port primarily handles cargo operations, including both imports and exports. It serves local industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and timber.
- Operational Authority: Managed by the National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia.
Specifications:
Navigational Aspects:
- Approach Channel: The port is accessible through a fair-weather approach channel. Mariners need to be cautious of the local weather conditions, especially during certain seasons.
- Tide Information: Tidal ranges can affect entry and departure, thus accurate tidal information is essential for safe navigation.
Depth:
- Draft: The port has limited draft capabilities, which restricts access to smaller vessels. The exact draft figures may vary and should be confirmed through up-to-date navigational charts and communications with the port authority.
Berthing Facilities:
- Berths: The port has a small number of berths available for docking. Due to its size, the port mainly accommodates smaller cargo vessels and fishing boats.
- Terminal Types: Primarily consists of general cargo handling facilities rather than specialized terminals.
Cargo Handling:
- Types of Cargo: The Port of Harper handles a variety of general cargo, including agricultural products, timber, and fish. It may also handle some consumer goods and imported necessities.
- Cargo Handling Equipment: The port is equipped with basic cargo handling equipment. However, for larger or specialized cargo operations, additional equipment and logistics planning may be necessary.
Storage Facilities:
- Warehousing: The port has limited warehousing facilities, primarily for temporary storage of goods in transit.
- Open Storage: There are areas designated for open storage of bulk goods.
Support Services:
- Bunkering: Limited bunkering facilities; vessels requiring fuel may need to plan for alternative arrangements.
- Ship Repairs: Basic repair services are available, but major repairs may need to be conducted in larger ports with more advanced facilities.
- Pilotage and Towage: Pilotage services are generally available and recommended for safe navigation into the port. Towage services may also be available, subject to local conditions and resources.
Customs and Security:
- Customs Services: The port has customs facilities for the clearance of goods.
- Security: The port is secured and complies with international security regulations, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Future Developments:
The Port of Harper is a smaller port within the larger network of Liberia's maritime infrastructure. There may be ongoing or planned developments to expand and modernize its facilities to better serve the region. Investments in infrastructure improvement, increased storage capacities, and better navigational aids could be part of future enhancements.
Logistics and Connectivity:
- Road Network: The port is connected to the hinterland by local roads, although the quality of these roads can vary. Efforts to improve road connectivity are essential for better logistics.
- Regional Importance: The port serves as a vital conduit for the movement of goods into and out of southeastern Liberia, supporting local industries and contributing to economic growth.
For detailed and the most current information, including regulations, tariffs, and navigational updates, contacting the National Port Authority (NPA) and local maritime agents can provide invaluable assistance.